CDC MMWR News Synopsis for October 13, 2016

MMWR- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

MMWR news synopsis for October 13, 2016 

Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality Among Black and White Women — United States, 1999–2013

Breast cancer death rates are decreasing among all women, but racial differences remain that need to be addressed and prioritized. Access to quality care and the best available treatments for all women diagnosed with breast cancer can help to address the disparities. Newly released data show that while overall breast cancer death rates are decreasing, there are racial differences – particularly among women over age 50. There was a faster decrease in breast cancer death rates for white women (-1.9 percent per year) than for black women (-1.5 percent per year) between 2010 and 2014. However, among women under age 50, -death rates decreased at the same rate. We are hopeful that this indicates that white and black women under 50 are beginning to benefit equally from appropriate and timely breast cancer treatments and will continue to assess if these differences can also improve for women over 50.

HIV Testing and Outcomes Among Hispanics/Latinos — United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 2014

Despite representing 16 percent of the population, Latinos account for almost 25 percent of all newly diagnosed HIV infections in the United States. According to a new CDC analysis, Latinos accounted for nearly 23 percent of people reached by CDC-funded HIV testing efforts. Additionally, approximately 60 percent of Latinos were linked to HIV medical care within 90 days of diagnosis, which is below the 85 percent goal of the updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Regional disparities persist as the percentage of Latinos referred and linked to HIV medical care, interviewed for partner services, and referred to HIV prevention services were lower in the South compared to other geographic regions. Among Latinos tested, gay and bisexual men had the highest percentage of HIV diagnosed (2 percent). If current HIV diagnosis trends persist, the estimated lifetime risk of diagnosis is 1 in 48 among Latino men and 1 in 227 among Latina women. In 2014, the rate of HIV diagnosis among Latinos was approximately three times that of non-Hispanic whites (18.4 vs. 6.1 per 100,000 population). The data illustrate the need for improved prevention strategies that address the cultural factors and diversity of Latinos in order to reduce the impact of HIV among the population.

Unmet Needs for Ancillary Services Among Hispanics/Latinos Receiving HIV Medical Care — United States, 2013-2014

In the United States from 2013-2014 there were substantial unmet needs for ancillary services among Latinos receiving outpatient HIV medical care. The most common unmet needs were for services that support retention in HIV medical care and assist with day-to-day living, including dental and vision care, food and nutrition services, transportation, and shelter or housing. Ancillary services – such as non-HIV medical care, subsistence services, and HIV support services – can improve the health of people living with HIV and help them achieve viral suppression. An analysis of Medical Monitoring Project data found an estimated 24 percent of Latinos receiving outpatient HIV medical care reported unmet needs for dental care and 21 percent reported unmet needs for eye or vision care. Additionally, 15 percent of Latinos reported unmet needs for food or nutrition services; 9 percent had an unmet need for transportation assistance; and 8 percent reported unmet needs for shelter or housing services. The analysis also identified the highest prevalence of unmet needs of Latinos by age group, with some unmet needs, such as shelter and housing services and HIV peer group support, being higher for those age 18-39 than those age 50 or older. Many of the reasons Latinos have unmet needs for ancillary services reflect not knowing how to get the services, perceived ineligibility for obtaining services, and denial of services. HIV case managers can play an important role in connecting Latinos living with HIV to needed services and resources.

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